Former Providence Mayor 'Buddy' Cianci to speak at New Bedford art gallery

NEW BEDFORD — A local nonprofit trying to save the crumbling Orpheum Theater has invited former Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci Jr., widely credited with helping to bring back Providence's downtown, to speak about the role of historic preservation and the arts in urban revitalization.

NEW BEDFORD — A local nonprofit trying to save the crumbling Orpheum Theater has invited former Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci Jr., widely credited with helping to bring back Providence's downtown, to speak about the role of historic preservation and the arts in urban revitalization.

Cianci, who started his career as an anti-corruption prosecutor, served as mayor for a total of 21 years, leaving office twice: after pleading guilty to assault and after his conviction on a racketeering conspiracy charge. He is now a radio host, political pundit and purveyor of his own marinara sauce.

"Is there anyone else in New England that has the experience that Buddy Cianci had, that has done what he has done in Providence?" said Chuck Hauck, the first president of ORPH Inc., who said he has responded to questions about Cianci's past. "This is something that pertains to what we're trying to do. We're definitely not saying to copy what he's done but there might be some ideas."

Hauck said the group is hoping the event will raise awareness of its campaign to save the crumbling Orpheum Theater on South Water Street. The building is currently up for sale.

Cianci said part of Providence's revival was due to strong public-private partnerships, a policy of "tearing nothing down" and the decisions to create an arts district and a subsidized loan program for restaurants. But the secret, he said, is raising a city's self-esteem.

"Before you can accomplish anything ... you've got to raise the self-esteem of the people themselves," he said.

Mayors, he said, must serve as advocates for their cities and resist getting caught in the weeds. "I think all over America, because of the recession, mayors have become more and more bean-counter-oriented than visionaries," he said. "You can't lose your imagination. I don't care how bad the economy is."